President Yoweri Museveni has elevated some of the junior ministers (state ministers) to full cabinet ministers. In this report on the new cabinet list, The Pearl Times looks at the junior ministers who were promoted to full cabinet ministers.
SAM MAYANJA
Sam Mayanja’s political journey has been defined by decades of legal activism, sharp public debate and a sustained presence in Uganda’s governance discourse. A trained lawyer, Mayanja first rose to national prominence through his outspoken positions on constitutionalism, democracy and land rights. Over the years, he earned a reputation as one of Uganda’s most vocal and controversial public intellectuals, frequently challenging established political and legal positions while remaining deeply engaged in national affairs. His persistent commentary on Buganda Kingdom issues and Uganda’s complex land system steadily elevated his profile within the country’s political landscape.
Mayanja’s influence grew further through his active involvement in debates surrounding mailo land, bibanja holders and the relationship between Buganda Kingdom and the central government. His legal expertise, coupled with his confrontational political style, made him a recognizable figure within National Resistance Movement circles.
He is sometimes seen as a polarising but highly knowledgeable figure on constitutional and land matters, particularly because of his unwavering defence of government positions during heated disputes over land reform.
His major breakthrough into Cabinet came when President Yoweri Museveni appointed him State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development. In that role, Mayanja emerged as one of government’s most outspoken voices against land fraud, illegal evictions and exploitation within the land sector. His aggressive interventions in land disputes across the country attracted both praise and criticism, but they significantly strengthened his standing within government and among supporters who viewed him as a fearless defender of ordinary tenants.
Despite repeated controversies involving Buganda Kingdom officials and opposition critics, Mayanja has remained politically relevant through his close alignment with Museveni’s governance agenda and his continued visibility in national legal debates.
On May 26, 2026, Museveni appointed Sam Mayanja Attorney General, replacing Kiryowa Kiwanuka who has been appointed Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
HENRY MUSASIZI ARIGANYIRA
Henry Musasizi’s rise in national politics has largely been driven by his technocratic background and expertise in public finance. Born in Rubanda District, Musasizi trained as a certified public accountant after studying at Makerere University and later Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.
Before joining frontline politics, he worked with organisations including Caritas Kabale Diocese and AMREF, experiences that helped build his reputation as a disciplined and detail-oriented financial administrator.
Musasizi formally entered elective politics in 2011 when he won the Rubanda East parliamentary seat on the National Resistance Movement ticket. His strong command of finance and budgeting quickly distinguished him in Parliament, where he served on the Public Accounts Committee before later becoming chairperson of the influential Finance, Planning and Economic Development Committee.
During his tenure, he became known for closely scrutinising government expenditure, taxation and economic policy, earning trust within senior government circles.
His steady rise within government accelerated in 2021 when President Museveni appointed him State Minister for Finance in charge of General Duties. In that position, Musasizi played a key role in overseeing budget implementation, debt management and fiscal coordination between central government and local authorities. His calm technocratic approach and loyalty to government economic policy strengthened his standing both within Cabinet and among ruling party leaders.
Musasizi received his biggest political promotion during the 2026 Cabinet reshuffle when Museveni elevated him to full Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, replacing Matia Kasaija.
The appointment was widely viewed as recognition of his growing influence within Uganda’s economic management team and his consistent performance in the finance docket. His journey from accountant to one of the country’s most powerful Cabinet ministers has positioned him among the key technocrats shaping Uganda’s economic future.
BALAAM BARUGAHARA
Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi built his public profile long before entering frontline politics through his work as an events promoter, businessman and celebrity manager. Widely known for organising major entertainment concerts and working closely with musicians and public figures, Balaam became one of Uganda’s most recognizable entertainment entrepreneurs. His influence among urban youth and entertainers gradually evolved into political mobilisation, particularly through his public support for President Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement.
Over time, Balaam transformed himself from entertainment promoter into an influential political mobiliser, using concerts, youth outreach activities and social campaigns to strengthen ties with government supporters. His close association with senior NRM figures and active involvement in youth mobilisation steadily increased his visibility within ruling party structures. Political observers often viewed him as part of a younger generation of mobilisers blending celebrity culture with political activism.
His political rise accelerated when Museveni appointed him State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, formally ushering him into Cabinet. In that role, Balaam focused heavily on youth empowerment campaigns, patriotism initiatives and mobilisation activities targeting young Ugandans. Although his appointment generated debate because of his entertainment background, supporters argued that his strong connection with urban youth made him politically valuable to the ruling establishment.
Balaam’s influence expanded even further during the 2026 Cabinet reshuffle when he was promoted to full Minister for Local Government. The elevation marked a major milestone in his transition from entertainment businessman to senior national politician. His rise reflected Museveni’s continued preference for politically active mobilisers capable of connecting with younger demographics and grassroots structures across the country.
FRED BYAMUKAMA
Fred Byamukama’s rise in politics has been closely linked to his background in healthcare and the military. Born in Kakumiro District, Byamukama trained as a medical professional, specialising in anaesthesia and nursing before later serving in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. His combination of military discipline and healthcare experience helped him gain recognition within local political circles in western Uganda.
Byamukama entered elective politics during the 2021 general elections when he successfully contested for the Bugangaizi West parliamentary seat under the National Resistance Movement banner. His victory marked the beginning of a rapid political ascent, aided by strong support from ruling party structures and growing popularity among constituents in Kakumiro District. In Parliament, he quickly established himself as a youthful legislator aligned with government priorities.
Soon after entering Parliament, President Museveni appointed Byamukama State Minister for Works and Transport, making him one of the younger ministers in Cabinet. His appointment was widely seen as part of a broader strategy to bring younger politicians with military and technical backgrounds into government leadership. Within the ministry, Byamukama became involved in supervising transport infrastructure projects and public works programmes across the country.
Museveni has now elevated Byamukama from a junior minister to Minister of Works and Transport.
You can see the list of ministers who were dropped from Museveni cabinet and the former ministers who bounced back to cabinet Here and There.
The list of new faces in cabinet for 2026-2031 term is Here.
You can see the full cabinet list with names of ministers that Museveni has appoint for the 2026-2031 term of office Here.
Read about NRM CEC members, former ministers’ relatives and the fired ministers that Museveni has consoled with presidential advisor and ambassador jobs Here, There and Over There.
